Not long ago, Netflix announced the reboot of the 1965 science-fiction television series Lost in Space. The show’s premise told the story of the Robinsons, a family of explorers, whose ship is sent on a five-year mission to a distant planet when it is knocked off course due to the actions of an enemy agent onboard. The family then winds up on a series of adventures as they visit distant worlds and cross paths with different lifeforms, while trying to navigate home safely.

Since the order was made, Netflix has released several casting announcements, with Toby Stephens of Black Sails set to play John Robinson, the astrophysicist father and commander of the ship. Falling Skies star Taylor Russell has been cast as Judy Robinson, the family’s teenage daughter, while Maxwell Jenkins has also been cast as the youngest son, Will.

Now, Deadline reports that House of Cards star Molly Parker will play matriarch of the Robinson clan, Maureen Robinson. The role was originally played by June Lockhart in the 1965 series and she is described as a brilliant aerospace engineer, who made the bold decision to take her family into space in the hope of providing them with a better life on another planet.

Lost In Space Cast Lost in Space Netflix Series Adds House of Cards Molly Parker
Parker is a strong choice to add to a series that younger audiences may not be terribly familiar with. The original television series ended in 1968 and even the feature film version starring William Hurt, Gary Oldman, and Matt LeBlanc is pushing the 20-year mark. But with a recognizable star — especially to fans of Netflix’s original programming — joining the series in a key role, it may entice subscribers to give this rebooted series a chance once it premieres. It will also be interesting to see what sort of dynamic Parker has with Stephens, who, as of late, has been headlining a series known more for its intense dramatic beats. As Parker has spent the last few years going toe-to-toe with Kevin Spacey’s President Frank Underwood, she and Stephens certainly have something in common. Moreover, if their recent acting work is any indication, this Lost in Space reboot may be taking a considerably more serious approach in terms of its overall tone.

The series will be written and executive produced by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, who wrote Dracula Untold, while Zack Estrin will serve as the showrunner. Estrin previously executive-produced the critically acclaimed Prison Break, which, again, might be an indication of what this Netflix series will be shooting for and what kinds of stories viewers can expect.